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Wanderers Ways. Neil Thompson 1961-2021

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Posted

Before the 6 Nations started Brian O'Driscoll predicted Ireland wouldn't win the Grand Slam but would stop England winning it in Dublin.The Irish looked a good side against France

 

 

You are well suited to being a Bolton fan - "Always look on the black side of life der-der, der-der-der.................."

 

Things I know.

 

1) England are the best team in the 6 Nations.

2) England are the only team who can get the Grand Slam this year and are 5/4 to do so.

3) Eddie Jones is as smart as a whip. Never underestimate him.

 

I have never met an Irishman yet who does not blindly (or blind drunkenly) believe that they can beat England at anything. I suspect that O'Driscoll may be about to be proved wrong.

Posted

Well, I think it would take England's best performance of the year to win in Dublin, there wouldn't be a repeat of the get out of jail in Cardiff if they play like that.

 

Here's hoping...

Posted

O'Driscoll is the best European player this side of the millennium.

 

The All Blacks thought as much in getting him injured and ruled out of the series within minutes of the first game of the Lions tour in 2005.

Posted

Aye, and 81,904 silly fuckers turned up to watch it and similar crowds seem to always attend.

 

Beats me what they see in it  :rolleyes2:

 

The next time I use the term 'cake walk' again boys, please remonstrate with me.

 

Clever but sneaky ploy by the eye-ties. No wonder the players were asking the ref WTF?

 

Still on target for a Grand Slam and I have a feeling that the frustration from yesterday will be carried over and unleashed on the the Jocks before the one that matters in Dublin.

 

England haven't played consistently well yet this series - just fits and starts. Just wait until it clicks and someone will get an absolute hiding. Lets hope it's the Paddy's.

 

Because its an overhyped middle to upper class corporate rah rah occasion; an event, like a Royal wedding or Last Night of the Proms. The actual product is shite but Ralph and Herbert have been to Twickers with their hedge fund managers. Ace.

 

What kind of sport has to offer bonus points for scoring tries to make it interesting, or rewards a team which only just loses? League tried it and realised it was simply nonsense.

 

It has some really good aspects to it - just play fast open rugby to create space and score tries and the product is miles more interesting.

 

Taking 2 men off each side would be a start. Preferably the slow fat ones, and hey presto, union becomes entertaining.

Posted

Because its an overhyped middle to upper class corporate rah rah occasion; an event, like a Royal wedding or Last Night of the Proms. The actual product is shite but Ralph and Herbert have been to Twickers with their hedge fund managers. 

 

That's probably a little unfair, because even at club level, for normal weekly fixtures, the crowds at RU are generally higher than for RL aren't they?  -  so it must offer something, it can't just be all about Ruperts and Tarquins having a jolly good time, otherwise the club crowds wouldn't hold up would they?

Posted

That's probably a little unfair, because even at club level, for normal weekly fixtures, the crowds at RU are generally higher than for RL aren't they?  -  so it must offer something, it can't just be all about Ruperts and Tarquins having a jolly good time, otherwise the club crowds wouldn't hold up would they?

 

I've been getting more interested in it over the last few years.  It has more integrity as a sport than modern football imo.

Posted

I've been getting more interested in it over the last few years.  It has more integrity as a sport than modern football imo.

Oh aye, cos in football players from one team tell the oppo their tactics

Posted

Oh aye, cos in football players from one team tell the oppo their tactics

 

Well I meant in general terms but even so; seems Italy's tactic was a football equivalent of parking the bus.

 

Not what I like to see but England can't complain, really.  They won and got a bonus point.  No rules were broke that I'm aware of.

 

Big Sam does it and it's hoofball, Mourinho does it and it's tactical genius ;) 

Posted (edited)

I'm on about sales mon telling bristol what they had planned

 

Really? - that is odd - not you saying it . . .  Didn't know about that tbf.  There have been betting scandals and the like though in football . . .

 

It's more the massive salaries, Champs league syndrome, expensive prices, players 'acting up' for deals etc, shitter atmospheres,  players openly not giving a fcuk, well, i could go on, that have made football less appealing to me.  Every time I watch rugby U, or league tbf, I see more passion from players, fans that seem to enjoy being there with little to no agro, and the players are less mard.

 

I agree it is a bit ra ra, which has always put me off before; but perhaps it's due to being in a more rugby U environment as I see 'normal' folk taking a real interest in it and it rubs off a bit?

Edited by madthatter
Posted

Because its an overhyped middle to upper class corporate rah rah occasion; an event, like a Royal wedding or Last Night of the Proms. The actual product is shite but Ralph and Herbert have been to Twickers with their hedge fund managers. Ace.

 

What kind of sport has to offer bonus points for scoring tries to make it interesting, or rewards a team which only just loses? League tried it and realised it was simply nonsense.

 

It has some really good aspects to it - just play fast open rugby to create space and score tries and the product is miles more interesting.

 

Taking 2 men off each side would be a start. Preferably the slow fat ones, and hey presto, union becomes entertaining.

If they put on pads and helmets and threw it forwards i might be interested.
Posted

Couldn't give a toss if Ralph and Herbert like it.

I enjoy watching it and that's all that matters.

 

After seeing ander Herrera rolling around yesterday and seeing rugby lads getting smashed and bloodied there's a lot our national game could learn from the fat lads

Indeed. It's not a soft game by any stretch of the imagination but it could be so much better. Some of the premiership and Heineken cup games are entertaining. 6 Nations bores the shit out of me.

Posted

That's probably a little unfair, because even at club level, for normal weekly fixtures, the crowds at RU are generally higher than for RL aren't they? - so it must offer something, it can't just be all about Ruperts and Tarquins having a jolly good time, otherwise the club crowds wouldn't hold up would they?

Take away a couple of the larger clubs and the averages are broadly the same.

 

Sky love league because it's viewing figures shit all over premiership rugby. 2 to 3 times the amount and it's all across the country you not just northern pit villages.

 

It's bizarre.

 

The audience is there we are just wank at marketing it and spend too much time feeling sorry for ourselves over the southern based media who'd sooner report on flatdick 6 Nations than the world club challenge.

Posted

I haven't seen the game, but Italy weren't breaking any rules, so fair game. Better than just rolling over and having their tummies tickled.

Posted

Made it an interesting spectacle compared to practice game expected.

 

Had they the sense to mix up contesting and standing off could have been very tricky. Be interesting to see if other teams adopt similar tactics

  • 2 weeks later...

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